Results of Previous Opinion Polls

 

 

Poll conducted from 01-03-2010 to 30-04-2010

VIZAGulo TIGER WOODS? : Men, in general, have roving eyes and there is no reason why men of Vizag should be any different. Whether out of instinct, lust or a show of strength and power, the desire to have more than one mate is inherent in them. Societal pressures regulate behaviour and keep things in control to a certain extent. But given a chance, they leave no chance. This is particularly predominant in certain classes and castes of our society. The practice of maintaining a 'chinna illu' is fairly widespread in Andhra. Most of the time we refrain from pronouncing judgements and turn a blind eye to these happenings.

Nobody in his right mind would condone sexual harassment or ill treatment of women but despite this knowledge of the actual state of 'affairs', we often derive pleasure from seeing well-known and well-off people 'being brought to book' for such acts. The slum-dweller who lives in some corner of your neighbourhood and who has two official wives and another keep doesn't interest you and doesn't make news. But, Tiger Woods? Ah, that is different! Invariably, it is the men who are seen as the wrongdoers. The women who in many cases, with an eye on riches, knowingly become number two or three as the case may be and marry or co-habit with men several decades older are the 'innocent victims'.


Total Votes Polled : 144
CORRUPTION

They are being given undue publicity and punishment because of their status.

95

They are getting what they deserve.

49

They are being given undue publicity and punishment because of their status.

65.9%

They are getting what they deserve.

34%

Poll conducted from 01-04-2008 to 14-05-2009

ELECTIONS 2009ELECTIONS 2009 : It is election time again. Time once more for the people of Vizag to be wooed with gifts and promises (sincere and false), and greeted with folded hands and forced smiles. We all have our favourites but we also know that our choice is not always the choice of the majority; one man's liar is another man's leader.

Also, unfortunately, with the forces of muscle power, money power, caste and community affinities at play, the best man / woman does not always win. Taking this into account, which candidate do you think is the most deserving of our votes and which candidate do you think will actually get elected?

 
Parliament - Vizag MP Poll Opinion by 847 Persons
D.V. Subbarao BJP 195 44
D. Purandareswari Devi Congress 202 155
M.V.V.S Murthy TDP 183 147
Palla Srinivas Yadav PRP 156 108
Dr. M.T.Venkateswarlu Loksatta 99 25
Others - 12 9
 
Assembly - Vizag (East) MLA Poll Opinion by 996 Persons
Velagapudi Ramakrishna TDP 183 112
K. Raja Kumari BJP 38 11
Vutukuri Apparao Congress 85 49
Vamsi Krishna Srinivas PRP 197 128
Jhansi Ravala Loksatta 491 233
Others - 2 2
 
Assembly - Vizag (West)  MLA Poll Opinion by 682 Persons
Gudivada Nagamani TDP 127 75
P. Srinivasa Rao BJP 31 7
Malla Vijaya Prasad Congress 163 108
Gana Babu PRP 220 140
Avula Govardhan Reddy Loksatta 137 37
Others - 4 4
 
Assembly - Vizag (North)  MLA Poll Opinion by 774 Persons
Baranikana Jaya TDP 267 205
P.V.N. Madhav BJP 42 13
T. Vijaya Kumar Congress 113 71
Shirin Rehman PRP 195 122
Srini Mahesh Loksatta 154 43
Others - 3 4
 
Assembly - Vizag (South)  MLA Poll Opinion by 634 Persons
Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar TDP 137 65
Ch. Mahalakshmi BJP 34 9
Dronamraju Srinivas Congress 161 99
Kola Guruvulu PRP 184 112
J. Sailaja Loksatta 115 29
Others - 3 3
 
Assembly - Pendurthi  MLA Poll Opinion by 624 Persons
Bandaru Satyanarayana TDP 148 75
B. Sanyasi Naidu BJP 29 11
Gandi Babji Congress 118 65
Panchakarla Ramesh Babu PRP 180 113
BVV Satyanarayana Murthy Loksatta 145 42
Others - 4 2
 
Assembly - Gajuwaka  MLA Poll Opinion by 625 Persons
G. Sasidharan Pillai BJP 44 13
Gurumurthy Reddy Congress 149 73
Ch. Narasinga Rao CPM 113 63
Ch. Venkataramaiah PRP 178 117
Bhihari Lal Loksatta 131 34
Others - 10 16
 

 

Poll conducted from 10-11-2008 to 31-03-2009

Economic downturn : The economic downturn / recession is now a reality. While there was talk of India being 'de-coupled' from the global economy, that does not seem to be the case as recent events have shown. Most indicators point to this trend: declining profits, layoffs, crashing stock markets. Vizag, to some extent, and as has been the case all these years, seems blissfully unaware of these happenings. Or is it? And are Vizagites in denial? True, being a city full of public sector employees flush with funds from the sixth pay commission, the impact may not be as great as in cities driven by free markets, but the ominous signs are visible: several companies in Vizag, especially those in the IT field, have laid off hundreds of employees quietly; the number of 'To Let' signs on commercial properties is going up by the day and most retailers are barely breaking even if not losing money; real estate, that darling of Vizag investors till recently, is now a hot potato that no one wants to hold (prices for commercial space in Dwarakanagar have almost halved).

There are two ways of looking at it: the beginning of a downturn or the end of the madness. Things had gone to dizzy heights that were not sustainable and not realistic. The rise in prices of real estate and commodities and the skills shortage were not based on genuine demand: Those who could barely speak English were working in call centres and plumbers and electricians accustomed to charging Rs 50 per call were demanding Rs 300!.

The bad news is that there is bound to be a lot more pain in the days to come. The good news is that when things do pick up, as they eventually will, there will be a lot more sanity and growth will be controlled.

Do you think Vizag's economy is sufficiently insulated to escape the fallout from the downturn in the national and global economy despite its speed and savage intensity?


Total Votes Polled : 247

Yes, Vizag will be hit hard economically

351

No, Vizag is recession-proof

169

Yes, Vizag will be hit hard economically

67%

No, Vizag is recession-proof

32%\

 

Poll conducted from 25-06-2008 to 03-11-2008
Vizagites and the Environment : Residents of Vizag who watched, with despair and consternation, the systematic deforestation of Dolphin Hill by the Indian Navy to build houses could not have missed the irony in a release from the Indian Navy on World Environment Day that referred to "a plethora of initiatives aimed at improving the environmental conditions at Visakhapatnam and bringing about awareness, attention and action towards safeguarding our fragile eco system." and about ‘Mission Eco Drive’. For effect, the release also carried a picture of navy officers' wives planting saplings on the very same hill.
However, this is not about the Navy - just an example to highlight a malady that plagues most corporate houses and PSUs in Vizag: double standards and tokenism when it comes to protecting the environment. Many more contentious projects, masked as 'development', such the new Alumina plants and the 'coastal corridor' will add to the destruction of the environment while apathy of Vizagites will let those responsible get away with it. A few loners and NGOs such as the Forum for Better Visakha who do care, seem to be fighting a losing battle.
Do you think that when it comes to protecting the environment, Vizagites:

Total Votes Polled : 247
Vizagites and the Environment
Are trying but unsuccessfully 91
Don't care 85
Are looking for direction 71
Are trying but unsuccessfully

36.8%

Don't care

34.4%

Are looking for direction

28.8%

 
Poll conducted from 01-02-2008 to 23-06-2008
NO CARROT, ONLY STICK: Traffic jams were unheard of in Vizag a few years ago. Now however, thanks to easier finance and growing urbanisation, the existing infrastructure is unable to cope with the increase in the number of vehicles and driving / parking has become a nightmare in some areas. In a bid to decrease congestion on the roads, the state government is proposing a differential tax system whereby the tax on the first vehicle registered would be lower than those of subsequent ones. While there are those who say it is a case of doing too little too late, and while there will be those quick to exploit loopholes (register the other vehicles on other family members' names), it at least shows that the problem has been recognised.
Do you think that this step will help control the growth in vehicular traffic in Vizag?

Total Votes Polled : 398
NO CARROT, ONLY STICK
Yes 135
No 263
Yes

33.9%

No

66.1%

 

Poll conducted from 3-11-2007 to 29-12-2007
Homo Vizagcus: Homo economicus, or Economic man, is a concept in economics of man as being only self-interested, desiring wealth, avoiding labour, and with the ability to make judgments towards those ends without being too concerned about the means used. Man, as a being who inevitably does that by which he may obtain the greatest amount of necessaries, conveniences, and luxuries, with the smallest quantity of labour and physical self-denial with which they can be obtained. Several studies across cultures and ages, however, have shown that men (and women) do not always act in this manner but display traits to the contrary such as compassion, fairness and loyalty and go through life with a fair bit of decency. 
Unfortunately though, it would seem, going by the way most Vizagites behave, one would think that this term, used for first time in the late nineteenth century by critics of John Stuart Mill's work on political economy, was coined with Vizagites in mind. A common complaint of non-Vizagites is that they, with only their interests in mind, do not honour commitments and are unable to delay gratification. To test the applicability of this theory all one needs to do is watch them park their vehicles, watch them drive hogging the road, watch them jump queues, watch them grab seats, watch them spit on staircases..... watch them go about life causing maximum discomfort to their fellow citizens. This 'me first, to hell with the rest' attitude that they display shows them as being “rational maximisers” who grab what they can for themselves. What do you have to say ?

Total Votes Polled : 104
Homo Vizagcus

Send them all to finishing school

61

They are as good or bad as anybody else

34
Vizagites are nothing of this sort and I live in cloud-cuckoo-land 9
Send them all to finishing school.

58.6%

They are as good or bad as anybody else

32.6%

Vizagites are nothing of this sort and I live in cloud-cuckoo-land

8.65%

 

Poll conducted from 14-7-2007 to 5-11-2007
VizagCityOnline.com receives several e-mails from its users on various subjects. A common complaint from some users is that there are no 'decent' schools in Vizag for upwardly mobile parents and expatriates to send their children to. Apart from the fact that they don't make teachers like they used to (those who worked with dedication and for peanuts), it is a fact that the glory days of schools like St. Aloysius, Timpany and St. Joseph's are now in the past. This was also recently cited as a factor for the car major Volkswagen for dropping Vizag as a location for their car factory (or so they said). 
Do you feel Vizag is ready for a school of international standards such as an IB (International Baccalaureate) school and if so, do you feel there will be enough demand for it taking into account the steep fees (usually in lakhs of Rupees) charged ?

Total Votes Polled : 634
School du snobs de Vizag

Yes, the demand is there, the money is there; we want the schools

467

We want it but can't afford it

94
Our existing schools are good enough 73
 
Yes, the demand is there, the money is there; we want the schools.

73.6%

We want it but can't afford it.

14.8%

Our existing schools are good enough.

11.5%

 

Poll conducted from 11-3-2007 to 14-7-2007
CORRUPTION : It is an open secret that bribery and corruption are rampant in Vizag especially in the government sector. Action taken, if any, has always been against the small fish. However, there has been a welcome development in the last few days when relatively senior people - the curator of the Vizag Zoo and the Superintendent of Police (Rural) were held on charges of corruption recently by the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Do you think this is part of a new trend which will have an effect on corruption or will things be back to 'normal' soon?
Total Votes Polled : 471
CORRUPTION
CORRUPTION

Corruption in Vizag cannot be eliminated or even reduced

233

Things will get better for honest Vizagites

238
 

Corruption in Vizag cannot be eliminated or even reduced

49.4%

Things will get better for honest Vizagites

50.5%

 

Poll conducted from 10-1-2007 to 10-3-2007
CEO OF VIZAG? : A group of NGOs in Mumbai have demanded changes in the way the Mayor is elected (they want a direct election) and increasing of his powers; in effect seeking the transfer of power from the Municipal Commissioner to an elected Mayor. Even in Vizag, the Mayor has little power and the Commissioner is a state appointee with little accountability who is sometimes more interested in keeping his bosses happy than in doing something for the city he is responsible for. Also, generally being outsiders, these Commissioners fail to take into account the sentiment of the citizens and lack a long-term vision for the city. This new system would reduce the powers of MPs and MLAs and so would find a lot of opposition. Still, all actions begin with an idea and with elections for the council of the Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation around the corner, this is a particularly relevant idea even if not something that can be implemented immediately. Do you think Vizag should do away with the post of Municipal Commissioner and empower the Mayor to be a CEO? 

Total Votes Polled : 331
CEO OF VIZAG CEO OF VIZAG
Yes, we want a CEO of Vizag Inc. 286
The present system is good enough. 45
 
Yes, we want a CEO of Vizag Inc.

86.4%

The present system is good enough.

13.5%

 

Poll conducted from 1-11-2006 to 10-1-2007
CVMs: Changing Values and Morals? : A report on the setting up of Condom Vending Machines (CVMs) in Vizag appeared in the press recently. Several of these are to be placed at 'strategic' locations such as the Collector Office junction (makes you wonder what the staff at the Collectorate are up to!). Some see condoms as a fun thing, some as an evil (think Pope), and some as a necessary evil. Whatever they are, they probably do play an important role in preventing the spread of diseases and in controlling population. Also, buying from a machine rather than over the counter takes care of the 'blush factor'. But this issue isn't as simple as it may appear to be. To start with, our Indian culture (notwithstanding what the call centre employers and employees say) makes us uncomfortable with such overt displays of what should essentially be a private matters. Convenience cannot be a legitimate claim for the setting up of these vending machines - when was the last time you needed one of these in a hurry in the middle of the road? Also, who decides whether these CVMs can be put up in public places? Does it say anything about changing morals in society? Is it a measure of alien cultural influence? Do MTV and Mallika Sherawat have anything to do with it? Or does it just mean that when it comes to having a say in these matters, Vizagites have given up arguing with vested interests such as noisy NGOs and loud libertines who seem to control the media? What do you feel?

Total Votes Polled : 355
CVMs: Changing Values and Morals?
Public consent is required before these things are done.  135
Such things should not be allowed. 56
Don't like it but need it. 164
 
Public consent is required before these things are done.

38.0%

Such things should not be allowed.

15.7%

Don't like it but need it

46.1%

 

Poll conducted from 31-08-2006 to 27-11-2006
CLY - CHILD LABOUR & YOU : As owners of many small businesses in Vizag know, news of a visit by the 'Labour Officer' from the Labour Department has an ominous ring to it.On paper, the function of the LO is a noble one - that of protecting workers from being exploited.The reality however, is that they often use their powers first to harass and then 'settle' matters. So the news that in a couple of months from now, Labour Officers will be empowered to enter homes to detect cases of Child Labour will probably not go down well with Vizagites and may even be greeted with alarm.Not much is known at this stage about the guidelines (if any) that exist for the inspection.For instance, between what times can the LO visit?Will they be allowed to do so when women are alone at home? What is the definition of child labour?Do summer jobs of schoolchildren qualify as child labour? How do you feel?

Total Votes Polled : 264
CLY - CHILD LABOUR & YOU
This rule is bound to be misused - should be repealed.  129
Will be misused but might help curb child labour. 116
No cause for alarm. 19
 
This rule is bound to be misused - should be repealed.

48.8%

Will be misused but might help curb child labour.

43.9%

No cause for alarm

7.19%

 

Poll conducted from 30-06-2006 to 31-08-2006
ATHITHI DEVO BHAVA - thank you for reminding us GVMC! Most Vizagites are so accustomed to notices outside apartments and buildings saying 'Visitors do not bring your vehicles in' or some other rude words to that effect, that they hardly pay attention to them anymore and do not question their legality. However, with parking problems in Vizag mounting, GVMC has recently thrown the book at apartment builders and residents by drawing their attention to a rule in the building code stating that every building is supposed to provide for Visitor Parking - something that most of us were not even aware of. This has, expectedly, met with resistance from builders and cheers from visitors A case can be made for both parties but, a rule is a rule and so cannot be legally challenged. How do feel about enforcement of this rule?. How do you feel?

Total Votes Polled : 645
ATHITHI DEVO BHAVA - thank you for reminding us GVMC!
VMC is right in enforcing this rule.  552
Visitors should park outside buildings. 93
 
VMC is right in enforcing this rule.

85.5%

Visitors should park outside buildings

14.4%

 

Poll conducted from 20-06-2006 to 31-08-2006
THE DECAY OF SOCIETY IN VIZAG? : Rahul Mahajan and his wayward lifestyle have once again brought into focus SYBs (Spoilt Young Brats) although calling a cokehead just a brat may be being too mild. But when it comes to similar behaviour, youngsters in Vizag are, unfortunately, fast catching up. While the growth of call centres and BPOs cannot be blamed entirely for this, it cannot be denied that with their western culture, easy mixing of sexes, young migrant population and unusual working hours, they are a major contributing factor . This has resulted in practices such as living together, having casual sex and the use of narcotic drugs. Walk into any of the two (!) pubs that Vizag boasts of and see for yourself: skimpily dressed child-women garishly made up and doing unspeakable things that must be making their departed ancestors do cartwheels in their graves.

One gynaecologist told us of how young unmarried girls working in Vizag's HSBC call centre came nonchalantly for pregnancy tests and then went in for abortions as though they were getting their hair cut! It seems there also exists in Vizag a website where one can pay (online) for sex (offline). With more software companies and BPOs coming to Vizag, unless something is done, which seems very unlikely, this trend is likely to continue. 

Many factors can be attributed to these developments: higher disposable incomes at an early age, lack of parental control, the growth of the nuclear family, decline of religion, the general decay in society, aping of western culture. What cannot be denied is that the rot (unless you believe these are favourable developments) has set in and that these things are happening in Vizag. What do you feel about this change?
Total Votes Polled : 806
THE DECAY OF SOCIETY IN VIZAG?
These are unhealthy practices which will lead to a sick and perverted society. Steps must be taken to stop this 475
Unfortunate, but this is the price that we have to pay for progress and prosperity 134
Nothing wrong with this 197
 
These are unhealthy practices which will lead to a sick and perverted society. Steps must be taken to stop this

58.9%

Unfortunate, but this is the price that we have to pay for progress and prosperity

16.6%

Nothing wrong with this

24.4%

 

Poll conducted from 28-03-2006 to 20-06-2006

 
 

 


WHO PAYS FOR SETTING UP A PORT?
For hundreds, if not thousands, of years they have been living on the coast around Vizag fishing for a living. In harmony with the land and the sea. These hardy people, the fisher folk of Vizag (mostly of the Jalari community) have weathered cyclones, tsunamis, mechanised fishing, disease and poverty bravely. However, when it comes to conniving politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen, they seem to be out of their depth: When the outer harbour was constructed, they were rudely thrown out of their native habitat; the same happened when the fishing harbour was constructed. Now once again for the setting up of the Gangavaram Port on their land they are not only being displaced once again but are being insulted, beaten, arrested and killed.


Total Votes Polled : 7781 
WHO PAYS FOR SETTING UP A PORT?
We should support the fishermen and protect their way of life  4040
'Development' comes first - to hell with fish and fishermen 3741
 
We should support the fishermen and protect their way of life.

51.9%

'Development' comes first - to hell with fish and fishermen

48.0%

 

Poll conducted from 13-12-2005 to 17-02-2006


THE TALIBANISATION OF VIZAG?
On the 9th of December, a few leading businessmen and influential people in Vizag were 'raided' when they were watching a performance by reportedly scantily clad women in a hotel room. The police, as though they have nothing more

important to attend to and as is happening elsewhere in India, took on the role of the Moral Police/Culture Cops and booked cases against all of them. The local newspapers and some TV channels, for want of anything more substantive to report, seized on this story and published the names of those concerned with glee. 

So what was the fuss all about? A few middle-aged men watching a few women dance to 'filmi' tunes - not exactly earth-shattering news in an age where worse things are happening. And had they not been well-known names, would it have still made headline news?


Total Votes Polled : 890
THE TALIBANISATION OF VIZAG?
When this is what is depicted on TV and films, why the double-standards? 208
Nothing wrong with watching such things in private - Life is a Cabaret! 381
This is morally-corrupt behaviour and should be stamped out. 301
 
When this is what is depicted on TV and films, why the double-standards?.

23.3%

Nothing wrong with watching such things in private - Life is a Cabaret!

42.8%

This is morally-corrupt behaviour and should be stamped out.

33.8%

 

Poll conducted from 22-12-2005 to 04-01-2006


Vizag Person of the Year 2005 :
Here is an opportunity for you to decide on a 'Vizag Person of the Year 2005'. We have nominated the following who have been in the news for one reason or another without making any judgements. The only criterion taken into account was that the actions/ behaviour of these persons have had, for better or for worse, a considerable impact on Vizag. These people have earned either fame or shame, deserve either accolades or brickbats. Now you decide who it should be.


Total Votes Polled : 16986

Vizag Person of the Year 2005 
Dr. C.S.Rao

If we still have trees in the old jail complex instead of an ugly shopping mall, it is no small part to Dr. C.S.Rao who braved the powers that be and undertook a legal/public campaign at his own expense and ignoring threats.

4887
Mr. Praveen Prakash

District Collector Praveen Prakash's hands-on style of functioning might have ruffled several feathers but there is no denying that the results are there for all to see including several new initiatives such as Gyandoot, Spandana, implementation of Right to Information Act.

5610
Mr. Y. Siva Sagar Rao

Under the stewardship of Mr. Y. Siva Sagar Rao, the CMD of RINL, Vizag Steel plant has consistently been performing well when judged by any parameter: sales, profitability, awards won, employee satisfaction etc.

5956
Mr. Y. Venugopal

Who would have thought we would have a player from Vizag in the Indian Cricket Team so soon? Vizag lad Y. Venugopal has done us proud.

533

 

If we still have trees in the old jail complex instead of an ugly shopping mall, it is no small part to Dr. C.S.Rao who braved the powers that be and undertook a legal/public campaign at his own expense and ignoring threats.

28.7%

District Collector Praveen Prakash's hands-on style of functioning might have ruffled several feathers but there is no denying that the results are there for all to see including several new initiatives such as Gyandoot, Spandana, implementation of Right to Information Act.

33.0%

Under the stewardship of Mr. Y. Siva Sagar Rao, the CMD of RINL, Vizag Steel plant has consistently been performing well when judged by any parameter: sales, profitability, awards won, employee satisfaction etc.

35.0%

Who would have thought we would have a player from Vizag in the Indian Cricket Team so soon? Vizag lad Y. Venugopal has done us proud.

3.13%

 

Poll conducted from 10-08-2005 to 20-10-2005


GREATER VISAKHA :
 
The State Government of Andhra Pradesh has decided to push forward with its ambitious plan to convert Municipal Corporations of Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam into Greater Corporations on the lines of Greater Mumbai by integrating the adjoining municipalities and gram panchayats with the main City Corporation.

With the merger of Gajuwaka municipality and another 30 odd gram panchayats with Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, Greater Visakha jurisdiction extends to an enormous geographical area of over 500 Sq/km with a population roughly around 20 lakhs (2 millions). Though Greater Visakha has several advantages in the metropolitan perspective, due to its enormity of size and scale, the complexities of problems and challenges will be formidable.


Total Votes Polled : 1665

'Greater Visakha' is indispensable for a holistic and uniform development of entire Visakha.

555

Compatible with the existing system.

1026

Just another ploy by the Government to delay municipal polls.

84

 

'Greater Visakha' is indispensable for a holistic and uniform development of entire Visakha

33.3%

Compatible with the existing system

61.6%

Just another ploy by the Government to delay municipal polls.

5.04%

 

Poll conducted from 26-03-2005 to 06-05-2005


THE TIGHT-FISTED VIZAGITE :
The extent to which it exists may be debatable, but it is a fact that there seems to be something about words such as 'Free' and 'Discount' that draws Vizagites in droves. Indeed Vizagites can be price-conscious to the extent that quality & service don't matter. Haggling has become a second nature even when they are getting a fair deal.

There are several theories for the existence of this trait. One is that Vizag being a city of salaried persons primarily, its residents have been forced to be frugal in nature and always seek out the best deal. Another is that the first members of the East India Company who settled in these parts were of Scottish origin. Yet another is that it is genetic.

Whatever the reason, that this is a general notion can be gauged from the fact that even many FMCG companies such as Hindustan Lever use Vizag for test-marketing new products believing that if they can sell it in Vizag, they can sell it anywhere. Of late many International brands and fast food chains who set up shop have been forced to cut prices to raise demand.


Total Votes Polled : 669
THE TIGHT-FISTED VIZAGITE

Yes, they have deep pockets and short arms

362

No, this is a mistaken notion

307

 

Yes, they have deep pockets and short arms

54.1%

No, this is a mistaken notion

45.8%

 

Poll conducted from 09-09-2004 to 07-12-2004


Corporate Social Responsibility :
CSR is being much talked about these days and has come to mean more than the top management of a company throwing a little money at the pet project of some socialite. It now means contribution of time, infrastructure and the involvement of employees. In Vizag apart from one or two bright spots such as ITC Ltd. funding the SOS Village for children there seems to be ignorance on this subject (CSR ante yenti? Kotha shopping mall a?). What little is done, is done to procure free press and ad space, or is trivial in nature - such as watering the grass on a traffic island ("maintained by Hotel Grown Dark") & constructing hideous bus-shelters.
Compare this with companies such as Cummins (whose employees visit HIV-positive children), Voltas, Thermax, Forbes Marshall (which gives free training to NGOs) etc. and Vizag lags far far behind. What do you have to say to our corpies? 


Total Votes Polled : 191

Corporate Social Responsibility
C'mon Vizag corporates, wake up and do your bit. 167
Our local businesses are doing enough.  13
We should not try to live up to the standards of other places. 11
 
C'mon Vizag corporates, wake up and do your bit.

87.4%

Our local businesses are doing enough.

6.80%

We should not try to live up to the standards of other places.

5.75%

 

Poll conducted from 13-08-2004 to 15-09-2004


The new HRD Minister of the UPA government, Mr. Arjun Singh has taken it on himself to de-toxify/de-saffronise text books at the school level which means undoing the 'Hindutva' tinge given by the previous (NDA) government to school text books published by NCERT. To be fair to the new government, this is not a sudden witch-hunt but part of their election manifesto. No doubt these books have a strong communal/ideological bias and contain irrelevant information (are the people of the Indo-Gangetic plain Aryans?), but school children will be innocent sufferers as their books will be revised once again. What do you think of this step?


Total Votes Polled : 146
DETOXIFICATION
Troublesome - but the rot has to be removed immediately. 65
Books should be left as they are 62
Books should be changed gradually 19
 
Troublesome - but the rot has to be removed immediately.

44.5%

Books should be left as they are.

42.4%

Books should be changed gradually.

13.0%

 

Poll conducted from 5-05-2004 to 16-08-2004


The Chairman of the VMC Standing Committee, Mr. V. Ramakrishna Rao, recently proposed that the Old Central Jail (all 28 acres of it) be converted to a botanical garden on the lines of the Lal Bagh in Bangalore. Do you think this is a good suggestion?


Total Votes Polled : 281
 
Yes, Vizag badly needs a green space in the city where the level of pollutants is high. 226
No, better to have a stadium or mall that will generate income. 55
 
Yes, Vizag badly needs a green space in the city where the level of pollutants is high.

80.4%

No, better to have a stadium or mall that will generate income.

19.5%

 

Poll conducted from 15-05-2004 to 16-08-2004


Underground "PAY & USE" parking lots :
With an influx of people into Vizag, growth of industries and increasing purchasing power, vehicular and pedestrian traffic in Vizag has been growing leading to severely congested roads which are not able to handle anything more than the ‘normal’ amount of traffic– the recent pre-election campaigns when traffic came to a standstill several times at Aseelmetta, Jagadamba, Poorna Market and other important junctions in the city, is a good example. 

The Municipal Corporation is currently considering the construction of underground parking lots as joint ventures with private parties (who would collect the parking fee), which would come up in a year’s time.

Do you feel this would:


Total Votes Polled : 397
 

Help ease traffic congestion

242

Be a source of revenue for VMC without making a difference

128

Be a temporary measure at best

27
 
Help ease traffic congestion.

60.9%

Be a source of revenue for VMC without making a difference.

32.2%

Be a temporary measure at best

6.80%

 

Poll conducted from 22-2-2004 to 4-05-2004

Q. At the National level there is talk of an 8% growth in GDP; stock markets are up and the economy seems to be on a high. We are being bombarded with media campaigns telling us that we have never had it better, and terms such as 'Back-office of the world',' Feel Good Factor', 'India Shining', 'Golden Quadrilateral', 'BRIC' economies are being bandied about. Part of this is no doubt what self-serving politicians (is there any other kind??) would have us believe prior to the elections, and even those things that are true may not be sustainable. Yet it cannot be said that all of this is entirely untrue.

At the local (Vizag) level, the mood seems to be the same even if a different set of words is in use here: Volkswagen, IT City, Godavari Lift Scheme, Pharma City, Apparel Park, Container Terminal, Multiplexes, Call Centres etc. etc. There is also talk of Wipro, StanChart and Infosys etc. setting up shop in Vizag which is leading to speculation in real estate prices.

After years of dithering and false promises by the powers that be, stuttering starts and expectations borne of hype, do you think that maybe, this time there is more substance to all this and that we in Vizag can confidently look forward to better times?

 
VIZAG SHINING Total Votes Polled : 419
'Shining Vizag' is part of 'India Shining' 263
Time for cautious optimism in Vizag rather than irrational exuberance 85
Hype, lies & unrealistic expectations 71
 
'Shining Vizag' is part of 'India Shining'

62.7%

Time for cautious optimism in Vizag rather than irrational exuberance

20.2%

Hype, lies & unrealistic expectations

16.9%

 

Poll conducted from 12-12-2003 to 21-02-2004


Q.
Call centres and other BPO outfits are slowly entering Vizag and targeting younger people (the best of which have already left Vizag in search of 'greener' (as in greenbacks) pastures) with the promise of relatively well-paying jobs. Of those remaining, opinion is divided as to their skills, abilities and accents - especially their English language skills. Still it seems unlikely that MNCs who are putting their money where our mouths are, have not done their homework. Do you think young Vizagites will be able to deliver and perform:

 
Call centres and other BPO outfits Total Votes Polled : 371
If Gurgaon & Bangalore can do it, so can Vizag 251
Our boys and girls will need some help 71
English ante yenti? 49
 

If Gurgaon & Bangalore can do it, so can Vizag

67.6%

Our boys and girls will need some help

19.1%

English ante yenti?

13.2%

 
Poll conducted from 12-12-2003 to 05-02-2004


Q.
Here is an opportunity for you to decide on a 'Vizag Person of the Year 2003'. We have nominated the following who have been in the news for one reason or another without making any judgements. The only criterion taken into account was that the actions/ behaviour of these persons have had, for better or for worse, a considerable impact on Vizag. These people have earned either fame or shame, deserve either accolades or brickbats. Now you decide who it should be :

 
Vizag Person of the Year Total Votes Polled : 706

B. K. Panda - C.M.D, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant 269
A. Sudhakar Rao - DIG, Central Bureau of Investigation 135
Prof. Y. C. Simhadri, Vice-Chancellor, Andhra University 185
Pinninti Varalakshmi - MLA, Visakhapatnam 117

B. K. Panda - C.M.D, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

38.1%

A. Sudhakar Rao - DIG, Central Bureau of Investigation

19.1%

Prof. Y. C. Simhadri, Vice-Chancellor, Andhra University

26.2%

Pinninti Varalakshmi - MLA, Visakhapatnam

16.5%

 
Poll conducted from 07-10-2003 to 12-12-2003


Q.
The Conditional Access System or CAS involving a set-top box will enable users to watch (and pay for) only those cable TV channels that they are interested in. There are claims and counter-claims that the service will be beneficial to viewers and cable operators. The system was supposed to be introduced in a phased manner starting with the metro cities from September 1, 2003. However, the government doesn't seem to have the will to implement the same which has resulted in a lot of confusion. Do you feel that:


Conditional Access System

Total Votes Polled : 241
 
CAS will
Benefit the viewers of Vizag. 92
Enrich the cablewallah further. 31

Benefit the viewers of Vizag.

74.7%

Enrich the cablewallah further.

25.2%

 
CAS will

Make it to Vizag soon.

79

Be opposed by vested interests and die a premature death.

39

Make it to Vizag soon.

66.9%

Be opposed by vested interests and die a premature death.

33.0%

 
Poll conducted from 30-06-2003 to 07-10-2003


Q.
The Vice - Chancellor and the management of A.U have recently come up with a policy of denying admissions to those holding a B.Ed degree to other P.G courses in the University. Do you believe that this will result in a loss of students and revenue to the university and do you think this policy is justified?

 
Policy of denying admissions Total Votes Polled : 436

Unfair and not justifiable.

305

Done in the best interest of the students.

100

Can't say.

31

 

Unfair and not justifiable.

69.9%

Done in the best interest of the students

22.9%

Can't say.

7.11%

 

Poll conducted from 14-04-2003 to 2-07-2003


Q.
 
No more queues at public taps, no more road tankers at home...come next summer, and, thanks to the Visakha Industrial Water Supply Scheme, the waters of the Godavari shall quench the thirst of Vizag. The minimum price of water will be Rs 10 per kilolitre, probably a high price as compared to other cities, but with the scheme itself costing a whopping Rs. 170 crore, that's the price Vizagites have to pay to prevent their taps from running dry. Do you feel more assured with water guaranteed for every household, even as the water meter ticks away?

 

visakha Industrial water supply scheme


Total Votes Polled : 328


Yes, unlimited water supply is a luxury that comes at a price

220

No, it's too high a price to pay

80

I'm not sure, I've got mixed feelings

28

 

Yes, unlimited water supply is a luxury that comes at a price

67.0%

No, it's too high a price to pay

24.3%

I'm not sure, I've got mixed feelings

8.53%

 

Poll conducted from 8-02-2003 to 2-07-2003


Q.  Andhra Pradesh (of which Vizag is a part) has the dubious distinction of having the highest incidence of HIV positive persons in the country after Maharashtra. The AP goverment is considering mandatory testing for HIV prior to marriage. How do you view this proposal?
 

AIDS free - Marriage
AIDS free - Marriage


Total Votes Polled : 547


Will help reduce the spread of the disease & a delicate question (are you HIV +ve ?) can be avoided

395

Will not help ('clear' certificates will be obtained anyway)

71

It will be an intrusion on one's privacy

64
Can't say 17

 

 

Will help reduce the spread of the disease & a delicate question (are you HIV +ve ?) can be avoided

72.5%

Will not help ('clear' certificates will be obtained anyway)

12.9%

It will be an intrusion on one's privacy

11.7%

Can't say

3.10%

 

Poll conducted from 28-03-2003 to 30-06-2003

Q. The State Government has decided that drivers of two-wheelers will have to wear helmets from 1st April 2003. Although it does enhance safety, the extremely hot & humid climate of Vizag makes wearing them unbearable. Add to this the slow speed of traffic (except on the NH5) and there is a strong case against this ruling. Do you feel wearing helmets should be voluntary and not compulsory?

 

Compulsory wearing of helmets



Total Votes Polled : 294


Yes, it should be voluntary.

185

No, there is a price to be paid for safety.

109

 

 

Yes, it should be voluntary.

62.9%

No, there is a price to be paid for safety.

37.0%

 

Poll conducted from 8-04-2003 to 6-05-2003

Q. The justification for the invasion of Iraq by the USA was the alleged presence of Weapons of Mass Destruction. However, though no such weapons have been found, thousands of innocent Iraqis have already been slaughtered so far.
If, as a result, the International Community decides that George Bush should be tried for war crimes, should India go along and arrest him if he ever steps foot on Indian soil?

 

Justification for the invasion of Iraq by the USA



Total Votes Polled : 641

 

Yes , we are bound by International law.

486

No, we need to take into account our strategic concerns.

155

 

 

Yes, we are bound by International law.

75.8%

No, we need to take into account our strategic concerns.

24.1%

 

Poll conducted from 12-04-2003 to 12-05-2003

Q. In order to check the uncontrolled drilling of borewells and prevent commercial exploitation of groundwater, which is leading to a fall in the water-table level, VMC has ordered a mandatory registration of borewells and the obtaining of sanctions for new wells. Do you feel that this is a step in the right direction?

 

Uncontrolled drilling of borewells



Total Votes Polled : 184


Yes

150

No

24

Can't say.

10

 

 

Yes

81.5%

No

13.0%

Can't say

5.43%

 

Poll conducted from 7-03-2003 to 8-04-2003

Q. Many Vizagites believe that the USA is fast becoming a rogue nation, given the blatant disregard of international law and civilised norms of behaviour by its present administration.
Do you feel that boycotting American products and services (clothes, movies, books, airlines, TV shows etc.) could be an effective way for the residents of Vizag to express their disapproval?

 
Boycotting American products and services.

Total Votes Polled : 782

 

Yes, the US needs the world more than the world needs the US.

515

No, it may not work.

224

Can't say.

43

 

 

Yes, the US needs the world more than the world needs the US.

65.8%

No, it may not work.

28.6%

Can't say.

5.49%

 

Poll conducted from 31-12-2002 to 17-02-2003

Q. In line with other major cities, the age of 'Mega Malls' and giant Department Stores seems to have dawned on Vizag. These large shopping centres are coming up in a city where the traditional 'kirana kottus' (our version of the Mom & Pop shops), minute cloth shops and more recently, corner shops such as the Manikandas and Tissonas, have held sway. A battle between the two is inevitable. Which of these do you think will last out?

Mega malls vs. small shops

Total Votes Polled : 317

Our traditional little shops will be decimated

102

The malls are a wasted investment

18

There's room for both to co-exist in a growing city.

197

 

 

Our traditional little shops will be decimated

32.1%

The malls are a wasted investment

5.67%

There's room for both to co-exist in a growing city

62.1%

 

Poll conducted from 04-03-2003 to 10-04-2003

Q. Perhaps the hills that surround Vizag and give Vizagites a feeling of security are also responsible for their being, to a small extent, insular, parochial and interested only in happenings in their own backyard. Add to this the fact that events in faraway Washington and Baghdad will hardly have any direct impact on Vizag & Vizagites and there should be no reason for us to care about US-Iraq stand off. And yet, most of us have strong feelings about the threat of an impending attack by the USA on Iraq. How do you feel?:

Threat of an impending attack by the USA on Iraq.



Total Votes Polled : 659

George Bush should stop behaving like a bullying cowboy

486

Iraq/Mr. Saddam Hussein is getting the treatment it/he deserves

82

What's my problem? I live in Vizag.

91
 

George Bush should stop behaving like a bullying cowboy

73.7%

Iraq/Mr. Saddam Hussein is getting the treatment it/he deserves

12.4%

What's my problem? I live in Vizag.

13.8%

 

Poll conducted from 4-12-2002 to 10-01-2003

Q. Here is an opportunity for you to decide on a 'Vizag Person of the Year 2002'. We have nominated the following who have been in the news for one reason or another without making any judgements. The only criterion taken into account was that the actions/behaviour of these persons have had, for better or for worse, a considerable impact on Vizag. These people have earned either fame or shame, deserve either accolades or brickbats. Now you decide who it should be :

Vizag Person of the year.

Total Votes Polled : 482

Mercy Jeyaraj Rao, former Principal, Timpany School

125

Sanjay Jaju, (former) Municipal Commissioner

146

Prof. Y Simhadri, Vice-Chancellor, Andhra University

116

Rajana Ramani, Mayor of Vizag

32

T. Subbirami Reddy, Philanthropist/Politician

63
 

Mercy Jeyaraj Rao, former Principal, Timpany School

25.9%

Sanjay Jaju, (former) Municipal Commissioner

30.2%

Prof. Y Simhadri, Vice-Chancellor, Andhra University

24.0%

Rajana Ramani, Mayor of Vizag

6.63%

T. Subbirami Reddy, Philanthropist/Politician

6.63%

 

Poll conducted from 23-11-2002 to 31-12-2002

Q. Implementation of the 'Jagadamba Pedestrian Project' would mean that the area between Dabagardens and Daspalla Hotel / Chitralaya theatre will be out of bounds for vehicles, with broad roads full of greenery for pedestrians. This is one of those projects where the narrow interests of a few (shopkeepers) will have to be sacrificed for the greater good of the citizens. Do you feel VMC should go ahead with this project ?

Clean and green Jagadamba junction
Clean and green Jagadamba junction



Total Votes Polled : 681

Yes, Vizag needs open spaces for pedestrians

634

No

47



Yes, Vizag needs open spaces for pedestrians.

93.0%

No

6.90%

 

Poll conducted from 4-09-2002 to 5-10-2002

Q. Recent studies have shown that, contrary to popular perception, cities do not thrive and grow because of good infrastructure and tax-holidays/ incentives. Rather, they flourish only when they are able to attract creative and talented people who want things like a thriving night life, a pub culture, golf & country clubs, theatres, museums, fancy restaurants and an atmosphere of tolerance; the money and technology automatically follow. Vizag may no longer be a hick town that closes down at 7 pm but it is certainly no thriving, bustling megapolis either. For Vizag to effectively compete in attracting this class of people, ŕ la Bangalore, it has to loosen up . Do you feel Vizag needs:

The new and happening Vizag.

Total Votes Polled : 370

A less conservative attitude

117

A more tolerant attitude

54

A strong dose of 'culture'

57

All of the above

142

A less conservative attitude

31.6%

A more tolerant attitude

14.5%

A strong dose of 'culture'

15.4%

All of the above

38.3%

 

Poll conducted from 3-08-2002 to 2-09-2002

Q. Are you of the opinion that the new Vice Chancellor of Andhra University, Prof. Y. C. Simhadri, is doing a good job 'cleaning-up' the university and trying to raise the academic standards ?

Happenings on the campus



Total Votes Polled : 440

Yes

293

No

99

Can't say

48
 

Yes

66.5%

No

22.5%

Can't say.

10.9%

 

Poll conducted from 4-06-2002 to 5-07-2002

Q. Vizag narrowly escaped bombardment during the last Indo - Pak war in 1971 when the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi was sunk off Vizag. During the present "limited war"/"war-like situation" most of the action seems concentrated on the West coast/border. We hope this will not be so, but do you feel Vizag will still be targeted due to its importance as a Naval Base & Industrial Centre ?

PNS Ghazi sunk off Vizag



Total Votes Polled : 603

Yes, Vizag is just as/more important.

512

No, it has lost its importance.

66

Can't say.

25
 

Yes, Vizag is just as/more important.

84.9%

No, it has lost its importance.

10.9%

Can't say.

4.14%

 

Poll conducted from 2-05-2002 to 30-06-2002

Q. Do you believe that the 'once a week no car day' that is being proposed in the city of Hyderabad is a good idea for the city of Vizag as well ? 

Clean unpolluted air
Air polluted with exhaust fumes



Total Votes Polled : 595

Yes

459

No

129

Don't Know

7
 

Yes

77.1%

No

21.6%

Don't Know

1.17%

 

Poll conducted from 4-03-2002 to 5-04-2002

Q. The recent ugly events in Gujarat concerning the disputed site at Ayodhya have made us sit up with horror. Do you feel such things could happen in Vizag, where various communities co-exist in peace? 

Hindus and Muslims living in harmony?
Hindus and Muslims living in harmony?



Total Votes Polled : 769

Never

616

Possible

105

Can't Say

48
 

Never

80.1%

Possible

13.6%

Can't Say

6.24%

 

Poll conducted from 13-02-2002 to 15-03-2002

Q. Children, often in school uniforms and certainly below the legal age to drive, whizzing around on two wheelers has not been an uncommon sight in Vizag. The police turning a blind eye to this and indulgent parents are no doubt to be blamed. The tragic death of a school boy a few days ago highlighted this unhealthy trend. Punishing the kids doesn't seem to be an option. Who do you think should be held responsible in future.

Avoid driving without a licence


Total Votes Polled : 715

The Police

44

Parents

210

Management of the school

352

All

102

Can't say

7
 

The Police

6.15%

Parents

29.3%

Management of the school

49.2%

All

14.2%

Can't say

0.97%



Poll conducted from 18-01-2002 to 23-02-2002


Q. Do you think the recent increase in respiratory ailments in Visakhapatnam is indicative of

Respiratory opinion poll



Total Votes Polled : 197

The pollution from industries in and around Visakhapatnam.

162

Pollen and other non-native plants that have sprung up in the region.

15

Other factors.

20

The pollution from industries in and around Visakhapatnam.

82.2%

Pollen and other non-native plants that have sprung up in the region.

7.61%

Other factors.

10.1%

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